Has any one ever used butt and or bench chisels for between centers turning. I recently made a spring pole lathe, mostly from scrap boards, because money is kinda tight. I have learned that butt chisel will work if properly honed. I guess my question is (am I wasting my energy by using these chisels and are real turning tools that much more effective).

6 replies so far

If they work for you then go with it. Normally a roughing gouge will work quicker at turning down a block, but if you can use something like a pair of vice grips to hold the chisel at an angle, you can do fairly well.

Joshy, I have never used a spring pole lathe, but have contemplated building one myself. Right now I have a Ridgid 12×37 and a little Jet 10×14. I make quite a few of my own chisels from different kinds of scrap metal. Just grind to shape and harden the working end. Make and install a handle on them.

Thank you for the information on making your own turning tools. I have a very old blacksmith forge and anvil. I also have some old rusty files, but how do you cut and or grind them? My dad has a lot of old railroad spikes, will those work? One more question, if any you were to recommend a few basic turning tool what would they be. I might break down and by some.